PROPER FLOSSING TECHNIQUE

Pull out about 18 inches of floss, wrapping the ends around your fingertips for better control. Gently slide the floss between your teeth, being careful not to jam it into your sensitive gums. Curve the floss around each tooth and rub it up and down to scrape away plaque. Avoid sawing motions with the floss -- that can hurt your gums. When you're done, throw away the used floss. It can fray during use and collect bacteria. Rinse with mouthwash and brush your teeth [source:ADA]

WHAT ABOUT MOUTHWASH?

Brushing and flossing get more buzz in discussions of oral care, but an ADA-approved antimicrobial mouthwash can also offer powerful protection for your mouth. Like toothpaste, mouthwash helps kill the bacteria that create plaque. It can get into the tight spaces between the teeth and gums, especially after flossing to clean plaque and food particles from those areas. While it can't physically scrub the teeth and gums like brushing or flossing, mouthwash that contains fluoride can strengthen tooth enamel, helping prevent cavities.